Let Us Give Lewis Acid–Base Theory the Priority It DeservesAlan A. ShafferThe Lewis concept is simple yet powerful in its scope, and can be used to help beginning students understand reaction mechanisms more fully. However, traditional approaches to acid-base reactions at the introductory level ignores Lewis acid-base theory completely, focusing instead on proton transfer described by the Br?nsted-Lowry concept.Shaffer, Alan A. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1746.

Acids / Bases |

Lewis Acids / Bases |

Lewis Structures |

Mechanisms of Reactions |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

VSEPR Theory |

Covalent Bonding |

Brønsted-Lowry Acids / Bases

Teaching Molecular Geometry with the VSEPR ModelRonald J. GillespieThe difficulties associated with the usual treatment of the VB and MO theories in connection with molecular geometry in beginning courses are discussed. It is recommended that the VB and MO theories should be presented only after the VSEPR model either in the general chemistry course or in a following course, particularly in the case of the MO theory, which is not really necessary for the first-year course. Gillespie, Ronald J. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 298.

Covalent Bonding |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

Main-Group Elements |

Theoretical Chemistry |

VSEPR Theory |

MO Theory

The Molecular Model GameStephanie A. MyersStudent teams must draw Lewis structures and build models of various molecules and polyatomic ions; different team members have different responsibilities.Myers, Stephanie A. J. Chem. Educ.2003, 80, 423.

How We Teach Molecular Structure to FreshmenMichael O. HurstExamination of how textbooks discuss various aspects of molecular structure; conclusion that much of general chemistry is taught the way it is for historical and not pedagogical reasons.Hurst, Michael O. J. Chem. Educ.2002, 79, 763.

A Comment on Molecular Geometry Frank J. GombaA method of determining the correct molecular geometry of simple molecules and ions with one central atom is proposed. While the usual method of determining the molecular geometry involves first drawing the Lewis structure, this method can be used without doing so. In fact, the Lewis structure need not be drawn at all. The Lewis structure may be drawn as the final step, with the geometry of the simple molecule or ion already established.Gomba, Frank J. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1732.

Covalent Bonding |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

VSEPR Theory

The Use of Molecular Modeling and VSEPR Theory in the Undergraduate Curriculum to Predict the Three-Dimensional Structure of MoleculesBrian W. Pfennig and Richard L. FrockDespite the simplicity and elegance of the VSEPR model, however, students often have difficulty visualizing the three-dimensional shapes of molecules and learning the more subtle features of the model, such as the bond length and bond angle deviations from ideal geometry that accompany the presence of lone pair or multiple bond domains or that result from differences in the electronegativity of the bonded atoms, partial charges and molecular dipole moments, and site preferences in the trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry. Pfennig, Brian W.; Frock, Richard L. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1018.

From UNIX to PC via X-Windows: Molecular Modeling for the General Chemistry LabDonald Pavia and Mark WicholasA 3-hour experiment that attempts to illustrate the relationship between molecular geometry as predicted by the VSEPR model and valence bond theory. As a pre-laboratory take-home exercise, students are given a list of 23 species and asked to predict bond angles, geometry, and hybridization. Pavia, Donald; Wicholas, Mark. J. Chem. Educ.1997, 74, 444.

VSEPR Theory |

Molecular Properties / Structure

Teaching VSEPR: The Plastic Egg ModelJames P. Birk and Soraya AbbassianWe describe the construction and use of a set of models based on plastic eggs, which afford advantages over the previously described models. James P. Birk and Soraya Abbassian. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 636.

Molecular Modeling |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

VSEPR Theory

Bonding and Molecular Geometry without Orbitals- The Electron Domain ModelRonald J. Gillespie, James N. Spencer, and Richard S. MoogAn alternative to the conventional valence bond approach to bonding and geometry-the electron domain model-is presented. This approach avoids some of the problems with the standard approach and presents fewer difficulties for the student, while still providing a physical basis for the VSEPR model and a link to the valence bond model.Ronald J. Gillespie, James N. Spencer, and Richard S. Moog. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 622.

Molecular models for the do-it-yourselferBirk, James P.; Foster, JohnInstructions for making molecular models from styrofoam balls and wooden dowels.Birk, James P.; Foster, John J. Chem. Educ.1989, 66, 1015.

A magnetic analogy for demonstrating some VSEPR principlesSchobert, Harold H.Bar magnets and iron filings are used to simulate atomic nuclei and illustrate the difference in the degree of localization of electron density of bonding and non-bonding pairs.Schobert, Harold H. J. Chem. Educ.1973, 50, 651.